Shark attacks kitesurfer in New Caledonia

Helmut Nickel, Shark Year Magazine,

According to the local media, a shark bite incident occurred at a popular kitesurfing spot off the Côte-Blanche near Nouméa in New Caledonia on Tuesday afternoon ( about 15.30 hrs on 18. March 2014 ).

A 42-years old kitesurfer was bitten on the calf by a shark while practising the sport in the Bay of Sainte-Marie. The man managed to make his way back to shore unassisted where beachgoers came to his aid. They were quickly supported by paramedics and firefighters, who transferred the victim to the Gaston Bourret Hospital in Nouméa for treatment.

The involved shark species is currently unknown. It is reported that the weather conditions had been rainy with turbid water at the location of the incident.